Oak Ridge Fire Department asks residents to participate in Yellow DOT

The Oak Ridger

The Oak Ridge Fire Department (ORFD) is encouraging residents to participate in the Tennessee Yellow DOT Program, a program designed to provide first responders with vital medical information in the event of an emergency.

The Yellow DOT.
The Yellow DOT.

The program is offered by myTDOT and packets are available at the Oak Ridge Senior Center, 1405 Oak Ridge Turnpike, and Oak Ridge Fire Department Headquarters, 200 S. Tulane Ave.

Here’s how it works, according to a city news release:

  • 1. Participants will receive a Yellow DOT decal, a Yellow DOT folder, and a medical information sheet.

  • 2. The participant will complete the medical information sheet which consists of their emergency contact information, medical information, recent surgeries, hospital preferences, current medications, insurance and physician information.

  • 3. A personalized photo should also be taken and placed on the sheet.

  • 4. This information will be kept inside the glove compartment inside the yellow folder provided. The Yellow DOT decal should be placed on the driver’s side rear window of the vehicle.

When medical personnel know a crash victim’s medical conditions, medications, or medical allergies at the beginning, they can make the best decision regarding emergency treatment.

“Having this key information up front can mean the difference between life and death,” ORFD Fire Inspector David Cantu said in the release. “Another thing to know – the information in the Yellow DOT folder is not kept by any agency or person and will only be accessed by first responders in case of a roadway incident where emergency medical attention is needed.” More information is posted at oakridgetn.gov/yellow-dot-program.

In addition to the Tennessee Yellow DOT Program, ORFD wants everyone to remember the importance of working smoke alarms. Residents can contact the Oak Ridge Fire Department for a free inspection of their smoke alarms at 865-425-FIRE (3473).

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge Fire Department asks residents to participate in Yellow DOT

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